Ask most agents how the market is doing and you will probably hear a cheerful, one-size-fits-all answer. You deserve something more thoughtful than that. A strong market does not automatically mean it is the right time for you, and no agent can say whether you should sell without understanding your circumstances.
Deciding to sell is a bit like deciding whether to stay in a relationship. Your gut often knows what you want, yet it is easy to talk yourself out of it. Maybe you have learned to live with curb appeal that still says 1980s, closets that are too small or no real space to work from home. Still, some doubts keep coming back, and they can be convincing because they sound perfectly reasonable. Here are five I hear often and how to think about each.
1. “What if my home is worth more a year from now?”
Real estate moves in cycles, and your local market could very well be on the rise. Markets can also fall hard, as we saw in 2008. Trying to time the market perfectly is not realistic. A better use of your energy is to focus on the things you can control. Inexpensive steps like decluttering, painting in neutral colors and tidying up the yard can boost your home’s value no matter what the market is doing. Good staging goes a long way, too.
2. “What if I can’t qualify for my next home?”
This is a legitimate concern and one of the harder ones to work through. Red flags include a drop in your credit score, having put most of your savings into your current home, or a job that feels uncertain or has ended. After doing some homework, you might discover that you would not qualify for a new mortgage right now and would need to rent after selling. That is worth knowing before you list.
3. “My friend or relative is an agent, and they say I should sell now.”
Working with people you are close to has the advantage of built-in trust, but it can get complicated. Ask yourself how you would feel if your home sat for five months without an offer. You can certainly hire them, and it may work out well, but interview other agents too, just as you would with any professional you hire.
Good questions to ask include how many homes they have sold in your area, how long they have been in the business, how well they know your neighborhood and how much experience they have with homes in your price range. If your property is one of a kind, such as a vintage home, an agent who has sold similar homes may be a better match. Talking with several agents also helps you get a feel for communication styles and who you click with.
4. “What if I have to pour money into repairs to get my price?”
Depending on how old your home is, an agent may suggest some repairs. What they recommend often hinges on the competition. If a comparable home nearby has a brand-new roof, for example, your agent may suggest replacing yours. But you also have the option of selling as-is. Some buyers are eager to put their own stamp on a home, and others would rather not pay for repairs right away.
5. “I’m nervous about starting over somewhere new.”
Even a move across town means a different street, different neighbors and different places nearby. Relocating to a new city is a bigger adjustment, but most people settle in more easily than they expect. It can help to think of the move as a chance for something new: a fresh start, a new hobby, a career change or finally getting that home office you have wanted.
Still on the Fence?
I would rather give you an honest perspective than a sales pitch. If you are still sorting through your doubts, or you are ready to take the next step, reach out and let’s talk about what makes sense for you.